2021 Jingle Bell Run Honorees

 

Liaidan Van Dyke
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Teen Honoree


Liaidan Van Dyke is 15 years old. At age ten, she was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

She tries to live her life by two sayings: everything happens for a reason and to make the best out of every situation.

Many people don't know that kids get arthritis too. Although she dislikes having to constantly explain JIA, she believes that raising awareness is her mission in life.

Her JIA has taught her the importance of advocating. She serves on Boston Children’s Hospital's Teen Advisory Committee as an advocate for teens and their medical care.

Her biggest dream in life is to become a Nurse Practitioner and to work in pediatric rheumatology.